"A HUGE SUCCESS" that is the best description of Crediton's late night shopping evening held on Friday, December 7.

The evening began with the switching on of the Town Square Christmas Tree lights by local musician Maz Totterdell, Town Mayor Cllr Frank Letch and Father Christmas.

Decorations for the tree were made by pupils from Hayward's Primary School and the Mayor not only thanked the children for making the decorations but also Carolyn Southcott of the Crediton Courier who co-ordinated the evening.

There was a large crowd watching who helped with the countdown before the lights were switched on and gave a round of applause when the tree was lit.

The Green House, on the town square, is providing the electricity for the tree in the square and would like everyone to know that their supplier of electricity is Ecotricity, green energy suppliers.

The tree in the square has been paid for by the Chamber of Commerce and put up and lit by Richard Huxtable of Stockleigh Pomeroy.

More than 30 shopkeepers and businesses in the town gave everyone the ultimate Christmas shopping experience during the late shopping evening, organised with the support of nearly all the town's shops and other businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and the Crediton Courier.

Many shops provided drinks and nibbles and entertaining at various locations along the High Street and in other areas of the town were Crediton Town Band, Mellow D Singers and the Sagalouts, Evie and Dave O'Sullivan.

Santa made an appearance in Evans Newsagents and pubs and restaurants were also open.

Many shops and businesses reported a very busy evening which was an added boost to their usual Christmas shopping sales.

All those who went along to the late night shopping evening helped support the town's shops and the local economy by shopping locally.

• See more pictures on page 3.